Making their fifth state volleyball tournament in the last six years, Nemaha Central knew the 3A field was ultra tough and their pool play matches would be against the best teams in Hutchinson. Indeed that proved to be the case as following losses against Cheney and Heritage Christian, those two teams went on to finish first and second on Saturday. The Thunder, who maybe had a case as the third best team of eight in the field, would end their season with a win by defeating Goodland in convincing straight sets 25-16 and 25-19.

Nemaha started play Saturday against #2 seed Cheney and despite falling down 6-1 early, came back to tie the set at 14, but could never take the lead, despite pulling even at 15, 19 and 21 points before falling 25-21.  Neither team ever led by more than two points in the second game with a back and forth battle that had the Thunder ahead 23-22 before the Cardinals scored the final three points to escape with a 25-23 victory for the sweep.  

Playing their second match without a break, the Thunder were a bit flat and struggled to get any momentum against the eventual state champs from Heritage Christian. The Chargers took a 9-8 lead and never trailed again in set one on way to a 25-20 win.  That energy carried into game two with an early 5-0 start for HC who led 14-8 when Nemaha called their second timeout. Heritage Christian went on to win the second game 25-17.  

Knowing they were eliminated from a chance at the semifinals, Nemaha Central showed a ton of heart in their final match after falling behind Goodland 7-0 and 9-1. The Thunder rallied to tie the game at 13 and then took keep rolling to take a 17-13 advantage and never look back in route to a 25-16 win. The second set again had Nemaha down early 9-6 but tied the set at 10 and again at 17 before going on a late run to grab a lead of 23-18 before posting at 25-19 triumph.  

Nemaha Central finished their season with a record of 37-8 and the Thunder JV and freshman teams both went undefeated in Big 7 play and posted a combined 51-1 record this season. About half of the varsity will also return next year for Coach Jessica Koch after losing five seniors in: McKynsey Henry, Taryn Ganstrom, Madison Lortscher, Anna Bartkoski and Cassidy Rethman.